Winter sports: NZ to host junior worlds in skiing, snowboarding

New Zealand will host next year's snowboard and freestyle skiing junior world championships by the International Ski Federation (FIS).

The 14-day event in late August/early September 2010 is likely to attract "several hundred" athletes to the Queenstown and Wanaka skifields, says Snow Sports New Zealand.

It is the first time the event has been held in the Southern Hemisphere.

Chief executive Ross Palmer said it was a great honour and "a clear signal" there was a high level of confidence in New Zealand's ability to host major international winter sporting events.

Venues have yet to be confirmed, but Mr Palmer said FIS had indicated they wanted the event to be staged in Queenstown and Wanaka.

Winter Games chief executive Arthur Klap has already agreed to be the event organiser for the junior world championships.

A full slate of snowboard disciplines would be showcased, open to competitors under 20 years old, including halfpipe, snowboard cross, parallel giant slalom, big air and slopestyle.

A schedule will be announced in October, after the annual FIS meeting in Zurich.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES